Real Programs, Real Money, Real Opportunities

Are you dreaming of relocating abroad for a better life, more opportunities, or a fresh start?
What if I told you some countries will actually pay you thousands of euros just to move there?

This is not a scam — several governments around the world are offering grants, cash bonuses, free housing, and tax incentives to attract new residents, workers, and families. These programs are real, currently active in 2025, and aimed at solving population decline and worker shortages in specific towns.

In this guide, I’ll show you the verified locations, how much they pay, who can apply, and the first steps to take.

Let’s dive in.

✅ Why Do Countries Pay You to Move There?

Many European regions and rural towns are facing:

• Population decline

• Aging residents

• Shortage of skilled workers

• Empty houses and abandoned villages

• Weak local economies

To revive their communities, governments now offer financial incentives to attract:

• Young people

• Remote workers

• Families

• Entrepreneurs

• Skilled workers

• Digital nomads

If you match any of these categories, you may qualify.

🇮🇹 1. Trentino, Italy — Up to €100,000 Relocation Grant

One of the biggest incentives in Europe right now.

📌 What You Get

• Up to €100,000 to buy & renovate an old home

• Applies to 30+ eligible mountain towns

• Grants cover up to 40% of renovation costs

📌 Who Can Apply

• Anyone willing to live in or rent the house long-term

• Families, remote workers, new residents, entrepreneurs

⚠️ Requirements

• Must live there or rent at moderate price for 10 years

• Must follow official renovation timeline

🔗 First Step

Search: Trentino Borghi Housing Grant – Province of Trento Official Website

🇵🇹 2. Portugal — Up to €4,800 + Job Contracts (Interior MAIS Program)

Portugal is actively bringing people into its “interior regions.”

📌 What You Get

• €2,633 base support

• 20% extra per family member

• Bonus for accommodation

• Total: Up to €4,800

📌 Who Can Apply

• People with a 12-month job contract in an interior municipality

• Skilled workers, students, families, digital nomads

⚠️ Requirements

• Change official residence within 90 days

• Must stay in the region at least one year

🔗 First Step

Search: IEFP Portugal – Emprego Interior MAIS Application

🇪🇸 3. Spain (Extremadura) — €8,000–€15,000 for Digital Nomads

Spain’s Extremadura region is one of the hottest digital-nomad destinations this year.

📌 What You Get

• €8,000 for remote workers

• Up to €10,000 for women & youth

• Up to €15,000 if you stay 3 years

📌 Who Can Apply

• Digital nomads

• Self-employed professionals

• Startup founders

• Remote employees

⚠️ Requirements

• Must have a visa allowing you to live/work in Spain

• Must register residence in the region

• Commit to 2–3 years

🔗 First Step

Search: Junta de Extremadura – Digital Nomad Grants Program I

🇮🇪 4. Ireland — Up to €84,000 to Renovate Island Houses

Ireland wants to revive its beautiful but depopulated offshore islands.

📌 What You Get

• Up to €84,000 renovation grant

• For vacant or derelict island homes

📌 Who Can Apply

• Buyers of abandoned homes

• Families or individuals willing to settle long-term

⚠️ Requirements

• Must live in the property (not as a holiday house)

• Renovation must follow official stages

🔗 First Step

Search: Ireland Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant – Island Version

🇮🇹 5. Calabria, Italy — €15,000–€28,000 ‘Active Residency Income’

Calabria offers money to young people to repopulate small villages.

📌 What You Get

• €15,000–€28,000 over 3 years

• For starting a small business or taking a local job

📌 Who Can Apply

• People under 40 years old

• Workers, entrepreneurs, families

🔗 First Step

Search: Calabria Active Residency Income (Reddito di Residenza Attiva)

🇯🇵 6. Japan — ¥1–3 Million + Bonus Per Child to Move Out of Tokyo

Japan is trying to reduce overcrowding in Tokyo.

📌 What You Get

• ¥1–3 million relocation bonus

• ¥1 million extra PER CHILD

• Housing support depending on region

📌 Who Can Apply

• Families living in Tokyo

• Those willing to work remotely or join rural companies

🇬🇷 7. Antikythera, Greece — Free House + €500/Month

A rare but real program for families willing to live on a tiny Greek island.

📌 What You Get

• Free house

• €500/month for ~3 years

• Extra support for children

⚠️ Very Limited

Small number of slots. Must contact local authorities directly.

🧭 Do These Programs Include Visas?

No.
You still need the correct visa to move to Europe or Japan.

Most non-EU applicants will need:

• Work visa

• Digital nomad visa

• Startup visa

• Business visa

• Family reunification

• Study visa (less common for these programs)

After getting a residence permit, you can then apply for these grants.

📌 Final Advice Before Applying

✔ Always apply only on official government websites
✔ Never pay an “agent” for these programs
✔ Be ready to live there long-term
✔ Check the cost of renovation or moving
✔ Confirm visa eligibility first

These programs are real, but they are not shortcuts — they are opportunities for people willing to commit.